Max at 4, 5, 6 and 7Months

Catch-up time . . . not only am I out of school for a few weeks, but I also recently moved the boys into the same room, which has resulted in them napping at the same time, and has left our office without a crib in it so now during nap time I can update the blog.

4 Months

Max went from sleeping through the night to waking up ever 4 or so hours. I figured it was because he was either teething or hungry. I would just nurse him and then put him back to sleep. Around this same time I started another class for the semester so it was hard having to get up a few times during the night, and then function in school.

He was quite the droller

Happy boy!!!

5 Months

Max's sleeping pattern was still less than desirable however it was still better than Parker's was at the same age. Max would wake up about two times a night, and take about 2-3 naps during the day. Still drooling, but no teeth yet. For Halloween Max wore the same pumpkin costume we used for Parker when he was about the same age. Max is a little weightier than Parker was so it fit great. (If you are curious look for a Halloween post . . .I'll date it 10/31/11)

Our sweet pumpkin

6 Months

Max's was still waking a few times during the night. A few days before he hit the 6 month mark I decided to start feeding him cereal. I was hoping this would help him sleep longer, but I think he got in the habit of waking up during the night, because it didn't change a darn thing. He didn't seem to like the food, and practically shivered with every bite. (If you are more curious look for a Feeding Time post . . .I'll date it 12/15/11)

7 Months

Max FINALLY started sleeping better at night. I started feeding him two times a day with more substantial foods like fruits and veggies and that helped, but I also STOPPED nursing him during the night. I would just hold him and let him suck on a Binky until he fell back asleep. I knew he could self sooth, because he would do it during the day. But at night he grew accustom to me nursing him. A few times of me NOT nursing him led to him sleeping better through the night. Also he finally had a tooth break through the gums shortly after he turned 6 months. I also broke down and bought teething gel.

He is starting to love to stand. He can't do it by himself, but with just a little help he can. He is still SUPER happy . . . he doesn't cry much, and if he does there is usually a GOOD reason for it. . .like Parker growling at him or something. He does startle easily though and Parker's growling is just enough to set him off. He's getting really good with eating he is now eating pieces of food . . .like bananas, bread, pears, etc. He has also started rolling to get from place to place. He doesn't roll a lot unless there is something he wants then he gets there just fine and in no time at all.

BROTHER'S

Max standing . . . with the help of Big Brother Parker.

I can't believe how fast time has gone since we had him. I have to keep reminding myself he isn't a newborn anymore.

Another Semester Down

I just finished another semester, and when meeting with my advisor found out I only have 1 more class to complete before I'll have a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Cellular and Molecular Biology. I also qualify for a Chemistry minor.

I am so glad to be almost done. This last semester was really hard on Parker. I had class 5 days of the week, two of those days I had labs that meant I was away for around 6 hours. Not to mention the many nights I would lock the kids downstairs with Troy while I studied upstairs. There were days I would tell Parker I had to leave to school, and he would start crying. I wanted to cry right along with him, but kept my composure for him.

I contemplated whether I should take a lighter load then usual this semester because I had just had Max, and I wasn't sure how I was going to juggle the responsibilities of two kids, and two classes that both had a lab component. After the fact, I'm so glad I didn't. Max has been such an easy going baby that it made it possible for me to keep my sanity while juggling family, church, and school responsibilities. He is starting to get more mobile, and needs more attention so now next semester will be possible, because I'll only have the one class.

Many people have asked me what my plans are once I'm done. Well . . . for right now it will just make me a mom with options. I feel my time will be best spent at home raising my kids, but I find relieve knowing if something happened to Troy I have a degree. After my kids don't need me as much in the home I may choose to go get a teaching certificate and go teach secondary education biology, but that is still a few years away.

Feeding Time

I have to admit starting Max on solids caused me some emotional distress. First how in the world did he get so big so fast, and second it meant I now had to think about what to feed him and when. Before this I would just nurse him when he complained, and it appeared he was hungry.

Max seems to be a lot different at eating compared to Parker. Parker would eat everything and anything, and very quickly. I couldn't shovel it in quick enough. Max started out a lot more picky and is a slower eater.

Here is Max's first try at solids:


See what Max thinks of peas:


Here is Parker feeding Max:


isn't he so helpful . . .